Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026

The Methane Monitoring Science Act of 2026 would direct the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to work with other federal agencies to develop a comprehensive strategy for detecting and monitoring methane emissions. Within 18 months of enactment, NASA would be required to assess and evaluate current and future methane detection technologies, including ground-based sensors, airborne systems, and space-based satellites, and determine how to integrate data from these various sources to better identify methane leaks and large emission events.

The bill aims to strengthen American energy security by improving the nation's ability to detect methane leaks more quickly and effectively. The strategy would help inform federal research and development activities related to methane monitoring. Importantly, the bill does not grant NASA or other federal agencies any new enforcement authority over methane emissions—it focuses solely on developing better detection and monitoring capabilities. The bill would require NASA to submit a report to Congress detailing the strategy developed.